A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by
adding thereto a new article, designated, §25-8-1, relating to
authorizing the Division of Corrections to implement a
responsible parent program pilot project; setting forth
requirements to participate in the program; setting forth
program goals; and requiring a report.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be amended
by adding thereto a new article, designated §25-8-1, to read as
follows:

ARTICLE 8. RESPONSIBLE PARENT PROGRAM PILOT-PROJECT.

§25-8-1. Authorization; prerequisites; requirements; report.

(a) In an effort to improve child and family well-being and to
empower men and women with the skills and resources needed to
succeed as parents and as family providers, the Division of
Corrections is authorized to implement a twenty-four-month pilot
project to establish a responsible parenting program that:

(1) Identifies for enrollment in the program persons who:

(A) Are parents of one or more children;

(B) Are present or former recipients of Temporary Aid to Needy
Families or have one or more children who are receiving Temporary
Aid to Needy Families;

(C) Have an income that is at two hundred percent or below the
federal poverty level;

(D) Are within nine months of their release from prison or
have been previously incarcerated; and

(2) Includes a course of instruction, that may include, but is
not limited to:

(A) Healthy marriage/relationship skills;

(B) Parenting skills;

(C) Job seeking training that includes:

(i) Knowledge of personal aptitudes, skills and preferences;

(ii) Knowledge of different types of employment opportunities;

(iii) Resume drafting, completion of a job application,
drafting a cover letter and follow-up letter; and

(iv) Interview skills;

(D) Vocational training;

(E) Basics of domestic violence; and

(F) Drug and/or alcohol addiction.

(3) Requires the successful completion of a transitional job
assignment.

(b) If a pilot project is implemented by the Division of
Corrections, it shall submit a report on the results of the pilot
project to the Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary each year
during implementation of the pilot project. The results shall
include, at a minimum:

(1) Key process measures, including:

(A) The number of participants served;

(B) The demographics of participants;

(C) Attendance/participation in training elements;

(D) The knowledge acquired by participants;

(E) Participant behavior changes as a result of program
participation;

(F) The number of participants gaining employment and their
wages earned;

(G) The number of participants completing vocational training;

(H) The number of participants successfully completing
transitional job assignments;

(I) The number of participants demonstrating workforce
readiness; and

(J) The recidivism rate of participants.

(2) An unbiased comparison of the outcomes between program
participants and similarly situated persons not in the program.

NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to authorize a responsible
parent pilot project by the Division of Corrections. The bill sets
forth requirements to participate in the program and program goals.
The bill also requires a report.